Your PVA prefit experience

[bohem]

TRG-22 is a good example of an action that cannot be pre-fit because it's hand finished.

Can it be headspaced with a barrel nut? Sure...

I make TRG-22 shouldered prefits... we can make them with a barrel nut too (and I make M27x1.5 barrel nuts) but why would you

Can anyone recommend a prefit barrel
For a GA tempest action?

We can do it as a barrel nut barrel, it needs to be a flat breechface action setup so it's different from a Remage.

Alternately, and this is what I strongly recommend, you send us your Tempest and we will custom fit the first barrel and return the work with a spec card. Next barrel you need send us a pic of the card and we will make you a prefit setup specifically to your action without seeing the action again.

I just picked up a new PVA 25 Creedmoor shouldered prefit for ARC from a member here & he didn't have any paperwork for it.

Serial #2206704 @bohem - Would you please look this up to confirm twist. Pretty sure this is a buttoned Rock Creek.

Thanks

I'm not at the shop to confirm but based on the SN I'm almost certain you're correct. If it's a 5 groove it's a RC if it's a 6 then it's a reaaaaaally early Osprey. As in, it's one of the first OBW's we ever made for a customer in 25 caliber.

 

[357Max]

I'm not at the shop to confirm but based on the SN I'm almost certain you're correct. If it's a 5 groove it's a RC if it's a 6 then it's a reaaaaaally early Osprey. As in, it's one of the first OBW's we ever made for a customer in 25 caliber.

Edit: I'm only counting 4 grooves???

What twist do you think this is 7.5?

 

[bohem]

Edit: I'm only counting 4 grooves???

What twist do you think this is 7.5?

Might be a customer supplied blank, but that's unlikely if the person doesn't know what it is. All the 25's we had made by Rock were 7 twist, same as the Ospreys are.

 

[357Max]

Might be a customer supplied blank, but that's unlikely if the person doesn't know what it is. All the 25's we had made by Rock were 7 twist, same as the Ospreys are.

If you get a chance to look it up next week that'd be great. Be nice to know what blank was used.

Thanks

 

[bohem]

If you get a chance to look it up next week that'd be great. Be nice to know what blank was used.

Thanks

If it's a 4 groove there won't be a record of the blank, just the inspection report, because it would be a customer supplied blank.

Probably good to count again for sure. If it's a 4 groove it's a Kreiger or a Hawk Hill but I don't think anyone ever sent a Hawk Hill for a 25 cal chamber... I don't know if Shawn ever made any 25s now that I think about it.

 

[357Max]

Probably good to count again for sure. If it's a 4 groove it's a Kreiger or a Hawk Hill but I don't think anyone ever sent a Hawk Hill for a 25 cal chamber... I don't know if Shawn ever made any 25s now that I think about it.

Just did, it's a 4 groove. Even pulled out the Tika 25 Creed you guys did & counted that. I knew it was a Rock Creek & it is a 5 groove.

Maybe he sent you a blank purchased from Black Jack.

 

[bohem]

Just did, it's a 4 groove. Even pulled out the Tika 25 Creed you guys did & counted that. I knew it was a Rock Creek & it is a 5 groove.

Maybe he sent you a blank purchased from Black Jack.

That's likely a Kreiger then. It won't have a note on who made the blank based on the SN because it didn't originate with us. It was just a chamber/thread job.

 

[357Max]

That's likely a Kreiger then. It won't have a note on who made the blank based on the SN because it didn't originate with us. It was just a chamber/thread job.

10-4 Thanks.
BTW - I Love the 308 Osprey you did. That barrel cleans so damn easy. What surprized me is it never sped up at all. Fast from day 1

 

[bohem]

@bohem can you check my order? 4 months. Is that typical?

Order #14142​

Thanks

I'll email you so that this thread doesn't turn into "hey can you give me a status update via public forum"

Long story: it's not typical but there are options on your order which pushed out the lead time.

 

[Crowbag]

I make TRG-22 shouldered prefits... we can make them with a barrel nut too (and I make M27x1.5 barrel nuts) but why would you


We can do it as a barrel nut barrel, it needs to be a flat breechface action setup so it's different from a Remage.

Alternately, and this is what I strongly recommend, you send us your Tempest and we will custom fit the first barrel and return the work with a spec card. Next barrel you need send us a pic of the card and we will make you a prefit setup specifically to your action without seeing the action again.


I'm not at the shop to confirm but based on the SN I'm almost certain you're correct. If it's a 5 groove it's a RC if it's a 6 then it's a reaaaaaally early Osprey. As in, it's one of the first OBW's we ever made for a customer in 25 caliber.

What’s your turn around time?

 

[bohem]

What’s your turn around time?

6-8 weeks right now. We aren't accepting rush orders currently.

 

[bohem]

I have finally found new shop space. Our current location was getting pretty cramped. I had pretty much consigned myself to staying here for another 2-3 years but something fell into place last week!

Because of this we're running through as much Black Friday orders as possible and things are going out every day, Ben and I have been in over the weekend and we're getting a lot of work out the door.

The move officially begins January 2nd and we will be down on machine work for 2-3 weeks, the goal is 2 weeks but we all know how things tend to go when you need work done.

 

[TheOE800]

I have finally found new shop space. Our current location was getting pretty cramped. I had pretty much consigned myself to staying here for another 2-3 years but something fell into place last week!

Because of this we're running through as much Black Friday orders as possible and things are going out every day, Ben and I have been in over the weekend and we're getting a lot of work out the door.

The move officially begins January 2nd and we will be down on machine work for 2-3 weeks, the goal is 2 weeks but we all know how things tend to go when you need work done.

So 4-6 weeks

 

[bohem]

So 4-6 weeks

I sure hope not. There's some things that are secondary to setup again, but barrel making is primary.

 

[Evil_Ed]

PVA 16" 308, 1/10", M24 profile (chonk), and fluted...I overestimated how much weight the fluting would shave But...it shoots:

Those are rounds 80-100, at 100 yards, 168gr FGMM, starting top left and moving clockwise with the center being the last - rainy, windy, and the last two groups were me being tired and shooting through mirage...it was pretty hot. Anyway - excuses over - it can shoot. I'm not a great shooter. But...I'm pretty sure it won't be the barrel that holds me back.

One of the reasons I got it with that profile was because I like shooting and didn't really want something that after the 6th or 7th round would start really moving from the heat...this does not. Rounds 30-100 were all fairly rapid, easy to blow through 10 with an AW mag (Coup de Grace action in a Magpul 700 Pro chassis)

I'm still learning through so YMMV

 

[leclairk]

My barrelled action showed up today. I sent off a Kelbly Nanook to have a spiral fluted Osprey 7prc barrel cerakoted and installed. This thing is beautiful! I can’t stop staring at it. Don’t have my stock yet from AG so I can’t shoot it. For now I will just lust after it. For the record it’s a light palma finished at 20” and weight comes out to almost exactly 3lbs. Action, barrel, TBAC brake, 4lb 12oz.

 

[CaptNkllm]

I'll email you so that this thread doesn't turn into "hey can you give me a status update via public forum"

Long story: it's not typical but there are options on your order which pushed out the lead time.

? Still waiting patiently . Thanks

 

[bohem]

? Still waiting patiently . Thanks

PM inbound. I emailed you already about it, I hope we don't have a bad email address. It's at paint.

 

[Carlos0311B4]

Placed an order for my tikka. Going from 308 to 6.5CM…

I ordered a 22”, 5.5 contour. Anyone happen to know the weight and contour specs?

I looked at the Brux site but they don’t list the 5.5 (I might of missed it )

Not super concerned with the weight but would like to keep it under 13lbs total weight.

If I remember right I’m at 11.5lbs with:

Swfa 5-20
Krg bravo
Atlas
Tikka T3x lite

it’s only been a week but can’t wait to get that bad boy and throw the can on.

 

[ma smith]

I looked at the Brux site but they don’t list the 5.5 (I might of missed it )

Looking at this > https://www.bruxbarrels.com/contours.html

If were to guess, 5.5 is maybe the mid-point, of No 5 and No 6
circa .725-in at the muzzle, 4.25lb overall weight, etc.

The CTR is .79 at the muzzle, and D18 Tikka is .71
for comparisons, seems like this should be in the ballbark.

 

[ma smith]

Side note>

Keep in mind Tikka needs a ± 1.20 shank barrel blank,
and the the Brux No 4 and No 5 are listed 1.25 shank,

Turning down the shank will reduce weight
vs the estimates above...for obviousl reasons.

 

[Carlos0311B4]

I think the barrel nut is 1.15 (tikka barrel I think) so the barrel will be smaller OD.

I would assume when I selected “tikka” in the drop down they are built to fit flush with tikka

I hope it’s not 4.5lbs at 22”… 4lbs ok.. 3-3.5 would be ideal for what I want.

I’ll call PVA tomorrow

 

[LeftyJason]

I think the barrel nut is 1.15 (tikka barrel I think) so the barrel will be smaller OD.

I would assume when I selected “tikka” in the drop down they are built to fit flush with tikka

I hope it’s not 4.5lbs at 22”… 4lbs ok.. 3-3.5 would be ideal for what I want.

I’ll call PVA tomorrow

Tikkas are consistent enough that he can make you a shouldered prefit. No barrel nut required.

 

[Carlos0311B4]

Tikkas are consistent enough that he can make you a shouldered prefit. No barrel nut required.

I ordered one of the ones he has in sale. Rock Creek blank with nut or I would have done shoulder pre-fit.

The pac-nor barrel weight calculator: barrel should be about 3.8lbs at 22”…

There were a few I considered.
Criterion
X-Caliber
Crown Ridge
McGowen

As much as I would like a Kreiger, Brux etc… damn they are expensive!

From everything Ive looked up on here and a couple other sites the Rock should shoot pretty good.

https://patriotvalleyarms.com/cdm-barrel-nut-prefit-sale-6-5mm/

 

[bohem]

It's been a while since I was able to get on this forum, so here's a bit of an update:

Shop Move started Dec 28 and took a month in general. We cut the first chips on barrels in the new Shop on Jan 30th. We've been running barrels and catching up on orders since Feb 2nd.

A couple months ago there was a discussion about short barrel contours having a constant muzzle diamter as opposed to a constant taper. Based on the feedback that has been updated and so going forward starting tomorrow, any short contour placed after Feb 22 will have a constant taper instead of a constant muzzle diameter. Anything already ordered will fall into the previous method because I proofed the production changes today and I am updating all the programming as soon as I make this update post.

The mill we use for fluting has a spindle chiller on it to control bearing temps and thermal growth. The rigging company dropped the chiller (the mill was unhurt) and it took from January 10th until this morning to get a replacement chiller on site and installed. As of right now we're back to fluting and the machine is busy cutting spiral flutes as I type.

Carbon blanks are in wrap with HCA, we got in some late last week and are expecting more in shortly.

Bullets are shipping for what's in stock, some are delayed because the swiss is the last machine to setup and get running. Now that the mill/chiller issue is resolved I will be setting up the swiss over the next week and cutting bullets for the foreseeable future.

The new shop address is updated on the website as of January 1st but we are still occasionally getting calls from our old neighbors for packages being left at the old address. Please update your address books, don't use old info. Fedex and UPS are not very good about holding a package for required signatures either, each of them has left rifles and actions sitting outside the old address. Thankfully nothing has gotten stolen after delivery.

Since we are in the larger space now we have another contour lathe inbound for late March. This ought to help reduce the lead times on barrels some.

 

[-Claybuster-]

My January 31st order shipped today, a lot sooner than I expected. Now I just need that action.

 

[reelserious]

It's been a while since I was able to get on this forum, so here's a bit of an update:

Shop Move started Dec 28 and took a month in general. We cut the first chips on barrels in the new Shop on Jan 30th. We've been running barrels and catching up on orders since Feb 2nd.

A couple months ago there was a discussion about short barrel contours having a constant muzzle diamter as opposed to a constant taper. Based on the feedback that has been updated and so going forward starting tomorrow, any short contour placed after Feb 22 will have a constant taper instead of a constant muzzle diameter. Anything already ordered will fall into the previous method because I proofed the production changes today and I am updating all the programming as soon as I make this update post.

The mill we use for fluting has a spindle chiller on it to control bearing temps and thermal growth. The rigging company dropped the chiller (the mill was unhurt) and it took from January 10th until this morning to get a replacement chiller on site and installed. As of right now we're back to fluting and the machine is busy cutting spiral flutes as I type.

Carbon blanks are in wrap with HCA, we got in some late last week and are expecting more in shortly.

Bullets are shipping for what's in stock, some are delayed because the swiss is the last machine to setup and get running. Now that the mill/chiller issue is resolved I will be setting up the swiss over the next week and cutting bullets for the foreseeable future.

The new shop address is updated on the website as of January 1st but we are still occasionally getting calls from our old neighbors for packages being left at the old address. Please update your address books, don't use old info. Fedex and UPS are not very good about holding a package for required signatures either, each of them has left rifles and actions sitting outside the old address. Thankfully nothing has gotten stolen after delivery.

Since we are in the larger space now we have another contour lathe inbound for late March. This ought to help reduce the lead times on barrels some.

You guys do a great job

 

[Carlos0311B4]

Sweet! My barrel is on its way, can’t wait!

Constant muzzle diameter??? Taperless?

 

[WhiteDingo]

Sweet! My barrel is on its way, can’t wait!

Constant muzzle diameter??? Taperless?

My read there is if you order a contour that specs a .750" muzzle, you'll get a .750" muzzle if you order a 26" finish or a 20" finish.
Versus standard measuring with .750" @ 26" and tapering back up, so you have to math your diameter at 20". Maybe I'm reading that incorrectly, though.

 

[toopoorformore]

5 shot group with PVA 6.5 creed prefit barrel for impact 737. Too slow for me but shows how accurate the barrel can be.

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

My read there is if you order a contour that specs a .750" muzzle, you'll get a .750" muzzle if you order a 26" finish or a 20" finish.
Versus standard measuring with .750" @ 26" and tapering back up, so you have to math your diameter at 20". Maybe I'm reading that incorrectly, though.

I believe you have that backwards.

 

[BoilerUP]

In October I ordered a CDM barrel nut prefit in "Remington Sendero" contour finished to 20".

Shoulder of the muzzle threads are 0.75", which is about a tenth narrower a standard Rem Varmint at 20".

It shoots great and I have no objection with the taper, but it isn't quite what I was expecting (NOT COMPLAINING, JUST COMMENTING). Perhaps having the shank contoured to work with a barrel nut impacted things.

 

[Matt_3479]

View attachment 8356793
5 shot group with PVA 6.5 creed prefit barrel for impact 737. Too slow for me but shows how accurate the barrel can be.

How slow is too slow for you?

 

[TylerN]

I believe you have that backwards.

I thought he head that right. The muzzle diameter would be the same regardless of finish length.

 

[TheOE800]

I thought he head that right. The muzzle diameter would be the same regardless of finish length.

No that’s how it was, I thought? Now contour will be fixed and muzzle diameter will vary depending on finish length.

 

[BenE]

No that’s how it was, I thought? Now contour will be fixed and muzzle diameter will vary depending on finish length.

 

[toopoorformore]

How slow is too slow for you?

It was 41 grains of RL16 with hornady 140bthp, which were running about 2640fps out of 22” barrel.

 

[ram2940]

I think your about right with the load and barrel length for a 140 grain bullet.

 

[spife7980]

I think your about right with the load and barrel length for a 140 grain bullet.

You forget: this is the hide where 70k psi isn’t even a starting load lol

 

[TheOE800]

You forget: this is the hide where 70k psi isn’t even a starting load lol

Different bullet, but have you seen Berger's load data recs though?

 

[Matt_3479]

It was 41 grains of RL16 with hornady 140bthp, which were running about 2640fps out of 22” barrel.

Accuracy trumps speed any day and that looks like it shoots

 

[toopoorformore]

Accuracy trumps speed any day and that looks like it shoots

Totally agree. In this case, I just found a charge weight that gave me better speed (2740ish), great accuracy and an SD of 4, ES of 12. If my memory serves me correctly, the group below in the photo was that charge weight (42gr). And yes, I pulled that high shot

 

[Carlos0311B4]

In October I ordered a CDM barrel nut prefit in "Remington Sendero" contour finished to 20".

Shoulder of the muzzle threads are 0.75", which is about a tenth narrower a standard Rem Varmint at 20".

It shoots great and I have no objection with the taper, but it isn't quite what I was expecting (NOT COMPLAINING, JUST COMMENTING). Perhaps having the shank contoured to work with a barrel nut impacted things.

That would be fine with me. Saves me an ounce or two, I think.

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

Based on the feedback that has been updated and so going forward starting tomorrow, any short contour placed after Feb 22 will have a constant taper instead of a constant muzzle diameter.

I think Josh needs to clarify, because any way I read this, a constant taper would mean the diameter of the muzzle would grow as the barrel is cut shorter.

A constant muzzle diameter would mean that a 18” or a 26” barrel would both have .750 muzzle, if that particular contour was selected.

This would eliminate the issue where some people have ended up with short barrels with muzzles too small to thread 5/8x24.
A constant taper would make it easier for guys to order say a #3 and have 5/8 threads on a short barrel. Don’t quote me on that, it’s just an example.. one that I hope would hope true for us that would like to have lighter mountain builds.

 

[biometrician]

I hope mine ships soon!

 

[bohem]

I think Josh needs to clarify, because any way I read this, a constant taper would mean the diameter of the muzzle would grow as the barrel is cut shorter.

A constant muzzle diameter would mean that a 18” or a 26” barrel would both have .750 muzzle, if that particular contour was selected.

This would eliminate the issue where some people have ended up with short barrels with muzzles too small to thread 5/8x24.
A constant taper would make it easier for guys to order say a #3 and have 5/8 threads on a short barrel. Don’t quote me on that, it’s just an example.. one that I hope would hope true for us that would like to have lighter mountain builds.

It's very simple:

Previously we took whatever the finish length was and kept the muzzle diameter for that contour the same as it was at 27". We didn't treat it like a barrel that had been contoured to full length and then cut down. So if you got a 3B for 20" long it would be 0.72" just like if it was 26" long.

This meant that the light barrels were lighter and some guys didn't like that because it was unpredictable for weight without making some calculations.

I took the program and wrote a function inside the contour program so that the lathe calculates the muzzle diameter to what it would be if you had a 27" long blank and cut it down to any length be it 16, 18, 21.5, 23", doesn't matter it would look like a pre-contoured barrel that was cut down after contouring.

This way it matches the approach other gunsmiths are held to when they buy a contoured blank and cut it length. We cut barrels down to length prior to contouring. It saves the time of contouring something that's going in the scrap bin and it gives us better control OD/ID and that's a benefit for several reasons to the manufacturing process as well as the cosmetics.

 

[cypriss32]

When will 22 cal barrels come back in stock?

 

[reelserious]

It's very simple:

Previously we took whatever the finish length was and kept the muzzle diameter for that contour the same as it was at 27". We didn't treat it like a barrel that had been contoured to full length and then cut down. So if you got a 3B for 20" long it would be 0.72" just like if it was 26" long.

This meant that the light barrels were lighter and some guys didn't like that because it was unpredictable for weight without making some calculations.

I took the program and wrote a function inside the contour program so that the lathe calculates the muzzle diameter to what it would be if you had a 27" long blank and cut it down to any length be it 16, 18, 21.5, 23", doesn't matter it would look like a pre-contoured barrel that was cut down after contouring.

This way it matches the approach other gunsmiths are held to when they buy a contoured blank and cut it length. We cut barrels down to length prior to contouring. It saves the time of contouring something that's going in the scrap bin and it gives us better control OD/ID and that's a benefit for several reasons to the manufacturing process as well as the cosmetics.

I just get everything straight with no taper. So much easier for me and the lathe also i imagine

 

[Carlos0311B4]

Barrel is in. Waiting in ammo

(Scope on just for the pic.. to low for the new barrel)


Barrel in today and on today.
Thanks, Phoenix Custom Rifles for the super fast install!

 

[EotS]

Got my m24 6.5 Prc nut bbl in this week. Good guys to communicate with,even while they were in the process of moving.





....... when I get a chassis, I'll report how it shoots.